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Thursday, June 25, 2015

The 2015 Mock Draft Extravaganza!

I know I say this every year but between the NBA Trade deadline and the NBA Draft you will be hard pressed to find me without the biggest damn grin on my face. And now I will jump into what will inevitably be one of the worst mock drafts in recent history as I will not try and figure out trades.

1. Minnesota: Karl Anthony Townes: C - Kentucky

The consensus top talent in the draft. This will give Minnesota flexibility to trade Nikola Pekovic, a talented center and not lose much in terms of production and another cornerstone to add with Andrew Wiggins. Wide array of post moves and pretty good defensively.

2. LA Lakers: Jahlil Okafor: C - Duke

If Okafor is the consolation prize for missing out the number one pick I think the Lakers will be just fine with it. Offensively he is the best center in the draft, he does not shoot free throws particularly well and his defense leaves much to be desired but his upside is just to ridiculous to pass up.

3. Philadelphia: D'Angelo Russell: PG - Ohio State

Russell could be the best player in this draft when it's all said and done. A gifted passer with the ability to create his own shot and plays amazing defense. I can't wait till the Sixers trade him in 2 years for more draft picks.

4. New York: Kristaps Porzingas: PF- Latvia

Please be good...please be good...

I admittedly know nothing about this guy. Just seems like a very Knicks move.

5. Orlando: Justise Winslow: SF - Duke

The player who can steap in and contribute from day one. Good defensively, with the potential to be an anchor on that end for years to come. Offense is something that needs work but he is quite adept at getting to the basket, operimeter game will improve with time which he'll have with a team that already has Victor Oladipo, Elfrid Payton, and Nikola Vucevic.

6. Sacramento: Willie Cauley-Stein: C- Kentucky
When you're running a star center from Kentucky away who better to replace him than a star center from Kentucky. Cauley Stein is without a doubt the top defensive player in this draft as he exhibited the ability to guard all five positions on the floor. His ceiling offensively may be Tyson Chandler but that certainly isn't the worst thing that could happen.

7. Denver: Emmanual Mudiay: G- Congo

This kid personifies toughness, swagger, and leadership. Very strong for his size and incredibly quick he will be a perfect replacement for Ty Lawson who appears to be on his way out the door.

8. Detroit: Mario Hezonja: SG- Croatia
He's been compared to Peja Stojakovic and if it's the Kings version of Peja then this pick will definitely be worth it. The only downside to this kid that I have seen reported is that he at times
can be a bit of a head case. Not exactly what's needed in the Motor City. Ask Josh Smith about that.

9. Charlotte: Devin Booker: SG- Kentucky
This is a team in need of scoring and the best available shooter at this point in the draft would be the talented two guard from Kentucky. With Gerald Henderson being traded to Portland that opens up a spot for him to come in and contribute valuable minutes right away. The big question is will he be able to improve his perimeter defense.

10 . Miami: Sam Dekker: SF- Wisconsin

Dekker surprised his fair share of basketball fans with his tenacity and versatility. A stretch forward who has absolutely no problem being the on court emotional backbone he can go to Miami and be a valuable contributor from day one.

11. Indiana: Myles Turner: C- Texas
Roy Hibbert for all intents and purposes is done. A breath of fresh air is needed and that can come from the versatile big man from Austin. Great defensive instincts and a massive 7'4 wingspan will definitely be welcome. He also shows great range as he can easily hit shots from the three point line as well.

12: Utah: Frank Kaminsky: PF- Wisconsin
The player of the year last year will be able to start from day one. A high basketball IQ and the ability to knock down shots from all over the floor will definitely be welcome in Utah where he can play with wither Rudy Gobert on the floor or Derrick Favors.

13: Phoenix: Stanley Johnson: SF- Arizona

One of the safer bets in this years draft is the 6'7 freshman from Arizona. Stanley Johnson can go to any team and start tomorrow. Already a very legit perimeter defender he expanded his offensive game to being able to drive, shoot, and finish emphatically while at Arizona.

14: Oklahoma City: Cameron Payne: SG- Murray State

The Thunder have been looking for that lead dog off the bench since James Harden left. Insert the high scoring point guard from Murray State. He's able to create his own shot and is also a very good facilitator as he averaged over 6 assists a game as well. And if Westbrook leaves you could have his successor (granted a less athletic juggernaut of a successor but a successor nonetheless.)

Well there you have it. Arguably one of the best mock drafts I have done in recent memory (operating under the notion that 10 of the 14 will probably be wrong.) Feel free to take any of the words I have used in this and turn them against me when I am inevitably wrong (See Lillard, Damen.)